Shark Navigator Vs Dyson DC33 -- What's the Difference?

Which to Buy?

When it’s time to look to buy a new affordable lightweight upright vacuum cleaner, it’s a sound idea to take a close look at the highly regarded Shark Navigator and Dyson DC33. Both are among the most affordable & economical vacuums in their manufacturer’s line. But if you are unsure as to which one to get over the other -- then this is the right place for you.

Both of these quality vacuum models offer bagless convenience to save you money for years to come (through simply not having to constantly re-purchase vacuum bags), and they are roughly equal in size and weight (around 7.8 kg), but there are some key differences that will help you decide between the two.

The Shark Navigator was made with the pet owner solely in mind. It has plenty of power with a 10-amp motor powered by Shark’s Infinity technology. Like other bagless vacuum cleaners, this means that dust and hair bypasses the motor en route to the dust collection bin, so the motor stays clean and you won’t lose power and suction as cleaning continues.

For pet hair clean-up, you’ll appreciate the included power nozzle tool which is basically a powerful brush that will lift pet hair up, even from rugs and carpet. In addition, this machine comes equipped with a 24-inch crevice tool that can easily grab dirt or hair out of even the tightest spots.

The Navigator runs exceptionally well on smooth glide rubber wheels and is nimble at just 15 pounds. It comes with a 30-foot cord and 12-foot stretch hose extension for quick cleaning of high spots or around baseboards. The ergonomic handle is also a nice comfort touch, and many owners love how quiet this machine is compared to their prior vacuum.

One of the primary differences between the Shark Navigator and Dyson DC33 is that with the Shark there are no height adjustments available, but you won’t need them as it easily glides over carpet of all lengths and gets close to bare floors. For ease of cleaning hardwood, tile, and vinyl, the brush roll can be easily turned off while in motion so you won’t kick debris around with the roller while vacuuming in the kitchen.

If you want to save up to 50% over a comparable model from other manufacturers or get at that pet hair with ease, the Shark Navigator is a solid choice.

The Dyson DC33 is among the most competitively priced models in the Dyson line. Dyson is known for making great lightweight & powerful upright vacuums that last, and this one is certainly no different. However, one primary difference in the DC33 is that it uses a normal wheel mount, unlike the swivelling ball feature on most other models (such as the Dyson DC40, DC41 etc.). Because of this, it feels very much like the Shark Navigator in this respect.

Dyson packs the DC33 with a 12-amp motor that uses root cyclone technology to create a powerful vacuum that doesn't suffer with loss of suction, and with the bagless system (which includes a HEPA filter), you won’t find performance suffering from passing dust and debris on to the motor, as well as the air being expelled in to your home stays clean & healthy. In this regard, the DC33 is perhaps better suited to those who are either asthmatics or allergy sufferers.

The DC33 includes a 35-foot cord, modestly longer than the Shark (by 5 ft), and comes with an edge cleaner to help you around edges or corners. Instead of a typical flexible extension, Dyson goes with their 15-foot telescope reach wand feature. This tool is very easy to click on and off the machine to reach those tough spots in a jiffy. Moreover, you get a combination tool (basically a crevice tool to allow powered dusting) and a stair tool (which can also be used for upholstery).

The most important differences between the Navigator and Dyson DC33 come when pets and height adjustment are considered. There are no special pet attachments that come with the Dyson DC33 Multi-floor, though the main brush roll and extended wand do a great job of lifting hair. However, Dyson adds the ability to choose different heights for the brush roll, so if you have particularly high carpets this feature could be a smart idea.

With the DC33 you do also have the option of buying a very highly regarded specially engineered attachment separately -- the tangle-free turbine tool -- which effectively and efficiently pick-ups pet hair without getting tangled (and then later breaking).

Conclusion: Should I Buy a Dyson DC33 or Shark Navigator?

When it comes to simple upright vacuums that are powerful and easy to run, both the Shark Navigator and Dyson DC33 are 'more than' dependable options. If you’re after a quiet, powerful vacuum to clean up after the pets that will save you money, the Navigator is superb. For adjustable height settings and a bit more power, then you can’t go wrong with the DC33. Personally, although there is a fair difference in price (of $150+) I would opt for the DC33 mainly due to the sheer power it exhibits and overall cleaning functionality and performance -- this being said for those who are on a stricter budget the Navigator (as said) is a decent option.

But do let me know which model will you choose and why? Also, if you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the comparison account of the 'DC33 Vs Navigator' or about either of the models specifically (i.e the Navigator or the DC33) then please do not hesitate to make them in the comments section that you will find just below.